Thanks to the Allan Labor Government, Engineering trades students in Victoria's west are getting hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment in modern new training facilities.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney today announced the official opening of Federation TAFE's new engineering centre at its Wimmera campus in Horsham, where apprentices can study for their Certificate III Engineering - Fabrication Trade.
The Labor Government invested more than $2.5 million into the facilities, which include a state-of-the-art engineering workshop and learning spaces kitted out with industry-standard tools and equipment. The precinct has the capacity to train up to 15 students at a time.
Metal fabrication skills such as arc welding, electroplating and sheet metal work are in high demand in the Wimmera due to the growing needs of the local engineering sector - in particular for the manufacture and maintenance of agricultural machinery and equipment.
Federation TAFE is working closely with other Registered Training Organisations in the region to develop a pipeline of engineering apprenticeships, meaning more students can gain industry-relevant qualifications and complete their apprenticeships closer to home.
The new training facilities will help to develop a highly skilled workforce in the Wimmera Southern Mallee and are part of the government's continued investment in TAFE infrastructure across the state.
TAFEs are central to delivering the skills the state needs - providing hands-on training and industry-standard facilities that get students ready for rewarding careers in in-demand sectors.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested more than $4.6 billion into training, skills and higher education to give all Victorians access to quality education and rewarding career pathways.
As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"Our investment means apprentices are training in a state-of-the-art facility and develop the real-world engineering skills that are expected by local industry."
"There is a growing need for highly skilled workers in regional Victoria - we're helping more people to study and work closer to where they live."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
"These new facilities mean Wimmera apprentices can now gain top-notch skills on industry-standard equipment right here in Horsham."
As stated by Darren Gray, Chief Executive, TAFE and Pro-Vice Chancellor, VET and University Pathways at Federation University Australia
"Thanks to the support of the Victorian Government, Federation TAFE is happy to welcome engineering back on-site to the Wimmera Campus. The new state-of-the-art engineering learning space will enable those previously disadvantaged by distance to access quality local training and stay in the region to live and work."
"The significant investment means we can continue to grow Federation TAFE and help local industry thrive by providing skills to address their strong demand while giving our students a solid foundation to build a successful career."
